Greater Mankato Growth is partnering with our member businesses and education partners to highlight the internship economy in Greater Mankato. This blog will feature stories from area interns and advice on how to create a great internship experience.

If you would like to feature an intern and their experience, or if you have advice to share with our members, please reach out to Ryan Vesey.

Blog written by Northwestern Mutual, a Greater Mankato Growth member.

Logan Hermer: An Intern’s Experience in Greater Mankato

Nurturing Growth: From Mankato, MN to a Transformative Marketing Internship at Northwestern Mutual
Growing up, going to high school, and attending MSU in the charming town of Mankato, Minnesota, I was fortunate to experience the beauty of a tight-knit community while nurturing dreams of a broader horizon. Little did I know that my journey would lead me to a pivotal point in my life – a Marketing internship at Northwestern Mutual, where I would undergo substantial personal and professional growth.

Embracing the Journey from Mankato
Mankato’s picturesque landscapes and warm community spirit have always held a special place in my heart. From the friendly faces at local events such as Ribfest, Maverick hockey games and Songs on the Lawn, to the serenity of the Minnesota River, my upbringing taught me the significance of authenticity, relationships, and community bonds. These values laid the foundation for the person I was becoming, and they played a crucial role in shaping my approach to my professional career.

A New Chapter: The Northwestern Mutual Marketing Internship
Stepping into the corporate world as a Marketing intern at Northwestern Mutual was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The experience challenged me to apply my academic knowledge and personal values in real-world scenarios. From the outset, I was immersed in a dynamic environment that demanded adaptability and innovation.

Professional Growth
The internship was a transformative phase that rapidly expanded my skill set. Through hands-on experiences and resources made available to me through Northwestern Mutual’s structure, I learned the ropes of email marketing, social media management, prospecting, communication, and website administration. The insights I gained into client segmentation, community presence, and data analysis were invaluable.

Personal Development
Beyond the professional skill enhancement, the internship deeply impacted my personal growth. Engaging with a diverse team and interacting with clients offered me a new perspective on effective communication and relationship-building. As I balanced various tasks and projects, I cultivated time management and organizational skills that continue to serve me well. These relationships that I built will only benefit me in my future endeavors as I transition out of the internship.

Learning the Ropes: From Email Marketing to Website Management

Email Marketing
Learning to manage compelling email campaigns was a significant part of my journey. Understanding the importance of personalization, segmentation, and analyzing metrics gave me insights into managing messages for maximum impact.

Social Media Mastery
Navigating the world of social media management exposed me to the power of platforms in conveying a brand’s story. Crafting engaging content, understanding the nuances of each platform, and leveraging analytics to refine strategies and show off our office culture became second nature. This has helped not only me, but our firm be more engaged with other organizations around the greater Mankato area.

Prospecting and Communication
Prospecting taught me the art of identifying potential clients and nurturing leads. Through strategic outreach and research, I honed my ability to identify diverse audiences and adapt my approach to suit our representative’s needs.

Website Management
Managing a website’s content and user experience underscored the significance of a well-designed online presence. Learning to collaborate with representatives while maintaining a customer-centric approach broadened my perspective on the intersection of design and marketing. I learned quickly the importance of each advisors website and tailored each one differently to match that specific advisors approach to financial planning.

Beyond the Internship: A New Perspective
As my internship at Northwestern Mutual concluded, I carried forward the wisdom gained during those months. The skills I honed and the relationships I nurtured have continued to shape my professional trajectory. The lessons from Mankato and the insights from Northwestern Mutual have created a unique blend that guides my approach to marketing.

Conclusion
Growing up in Mankato, MN, and embarking on a transformative Marketing internship at Northwestern Mutual has been an adventure marked by growth, learning, and self-discovery. From the scenic landscapes of my hometown to the bustling corridors of a corporate office, every experience has contributed to who I am today – a marketer who values authenticity, embraces challenges, and believes in the power of community and connection.

For more information about Northwestern Mutual and to view disclosures click here.